“Christianity is not a religion that has its primary source in nature, or in experience, or even in an individual’s salvation. The source for Christianity is the Revealer, Jesus himself, who has much to say about nature, experience, and salvation. Our salvation is not something we can earn through works or that we deserve. Christianity comes to us as a gift from God.” [K. Scott Oliphint, Know Why You Believe (KNOW Series)]

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Apologies for the late delay, but here are this week’s links!

• Ligonier Ministries has produced a new album celebrating the Reformation called Post Tenebras, Lux, which is Latin for, “After Darkness, Light.” For a brief period, it’s free to download. Don’t miss out on this!
• Do you know how to present the pro-life case for the unborn? Nathan Apodaca, from the Life Training Institute, gives three steps that has come to be called the ‘Ten Second Pro-Life Apologist.‘
• Kevin DeYoung continues his theological primer series by giving a succinct summary of the term, ‘the 144,000‘ as found in Scripture. This is a crucial topic to spend some time on, especially if you talk with a Jehovah’s Witness about this area.
• You may be surprised by this, but Netflix doesn’t consider Amazon or HBO to be its main competitor. Who are they truly competing against, they say? Sleep. We may need to rethink our priorities based on that sole observation, as Tim Challies does.
• Professor David Murray tells 13 truths that a congregation needs to hear in light of their fallen pastor. This is worth reflecting, even if your pastor has not gone this route. This is also a reminder to pray for your pastor…right now.
• What are the implications of the doctrine of definite (aka limited) atonement? Most think negatively of the teaching, but Jonathan Gibson gives two that can bring about godly change within the body of Christ. This is sound doctrine as it’s meant to be taught.
• Randy Alcorn points us to an interview Tony Reinke did with Alastair Roberts, who offered 10 questions to evaluate the appropriate use of our smartphones. Chances are, you will not leave unscathed, so read carefully (especially if it’s on your smartphone!).
• Is there a way to read the Bible in order to find God’s signature in it and through it? Sounds like a question John Piper is asking, which he has, and has an answer to. This can revolutionize your Bible reading. Let him help you see the implications of God’s purpose behind the reading of His Word.
• Have you ever been told that you are a bad listener? That you talk too much? How can you grow in your listening skills? Timothy Brahm, of the Equal Rights Institute, gives a short answer that will train you to learn to allow space for the thinking pause. If you aren’t sure how this relates, watch or listen to his thoughts.
• Sean McDowell (son of Josh McDowell, in case you were wondering) interviewed David Marshall on his newest book, Jesus is No Myth! The Fingerprints of God on the Gospels. Whether you read the book or not, you will be fascinated with some of the questions he answers. Many of the topics he covers in his book is at the forefront of what you will hear whenever criticism of Christianity comes your way. You will not be disappointed.

That’s all for this week! Please pray for all the flocks that meet this week, and pray for God to be glorified in the lives of the saints this weekend. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“We will never hunger or thirst if we are always coming and always believing in Christ. He is our sufficiency. Christ is the bread from heaven. We must feed on all of Christ, not just the parts that we happen to like. Christ is not the Savior of anyone unless He is their Lord as well.” (James R. White, Drawn By The Father)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Time has sure flown by, but not without some great links for your growth and benefit. Enjoy!

• Tony Reinke writes about FOMO – the fear of missing out, and its implications in our tech-savvy world.
• The recent dismissal of conservative commentator Bill O’Reilly provides an opportunity for biblical counselor Heath Lambert to warn us of the consequences of sin and several lessons we must learn now.
• New Testament scholar Thomas Schreiner gives a good argument for why Paul and James do not disagree on justification by faith alone. This subject will always be good for you to spend time digesting.
• Tim Challies is continuing his series on growing in godliness by addressing fellowship with older saints. We would all do well to heed his wisdom in this area.
• Bible Answer Man Hank Hanegraaff has recently converted to the Orthodox church, which has raised a lot of questions about the direction of his ministry, the Christian Research Institute. Answers in Genesis has made available a chapter from one of their recent books on Eastern Orthodoxy that is very informative.
• Is it possible to love missions and not the local church? Missionary Caleb Greggsen doesn’t think so, and offers suggestions for guiding a younger believer who may be gung-ho for missions but not so much for those who decide to stay and serve the Lord where they live. TMS professor William Barrick makes the case that, without the resurrection of Christ and belief in it, there is no basis for missions.
• Westminster Theological Seminary provost Jeffrey Jue provides a brief overview of the advance of the gospel in Asia that is sure to stir your heart to pray for God to continue His work among the nations.
• How much do you know about Charles Darwin’s contempt of races other than his own? You may be surprised at what your biology teacher doesn’t tell you.
• Ravi Zacharias provides a beautiful picture of how Christ embodies the truth, and to reject Him leads to rejecting reality. Captivating writing.
• Lydia McGrew was recently interviewed about her new book, Hidden in Plain View: Undesigned Coincidences in the Gospels and Acts. The argument from undesigned coincidences is an old one for the authenticity of Scripture that is regaining popularity among Christian apologists. It’s time to familiarize yourself with this line of evidence.
• The Gospel of Matthew provides a fascinating case for the resurrection, while Kenneth Samples continues his series on 12 evidences for the resurrection, citing reasons #8 and #9
• Christian philosopher Paul Copan has an insightful article on learning how (not) to doubt. There’s some great wisdom here.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for youth group and College Life, as both meet at church tonight for Bible study. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“It was not nails that held Jesus to that wretched cross; it was his unqualified resolution, out of love for his Father, to do his Father’s will—and, within that framework, it was his love for sinners like me. He really could not save himself.” (D. A. Carson, Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Good Friday! In light of today’s observance of and remembrance of our Lord, Jesus Christ, dying on the cross, this week I want to bring to your attention some links that will focus our eyes on the One who gave His life voluntarily to redeem us from the consequences and power of sin. So, here they are:

• As we reflect on the good news of the gospel, it would be wise for us to look at what God has said about the cross, as well as the resurrection. Crossway has posted 7 passages to read on Good Friday, as well as 10 passages to read on Easter. Dr. James White and Islamic scholar Yusuf Ismail discuss whether Jesus was crucified on the cross on the Unbelievable? program. New Testament scholar Craig Evans gives a small window into ancient history and customs to connect us to the hope of Easter. Dr. Kenneth Samples has been writing a series of posts on the 12 evidences for the resurrection of Christ; this week is part five.
• Dr. Gary Habermas developed a 30 session series on the evidence for the resurrection of Christ, of which the audio is currently available online FREE! I’m not exactly sure when this will end, but don’t miss out now on learning from a great mind and scholar of the Christian faith.
• Some of the fellows at Ligonier gave a great response to the common  questions, “Who is Jesus? What did He do?” Make sure you follow the links to their Christology statement.
• R.C. Sproul explains the significance of the crucifixion in light of Old Testament prophecy. A great meditation for this day.
• Crossway has come out with a new book on how your phone may have already changed you, and yet you can redeem the purpose of your phone even today. They also cover 10 things you should know about your phone.
• Erik Raymond gives a concise set of arguments for why he believes the Bible. This is definitely one to bookmark and reference when you need to share a biblical perspective on the Scriptures, or to remind yourself of this.
• Pastor Dan Philips addresses the oft-repeated problem of pollsters who give weight to those who identify as believers but reject core doctrines of the faith. Very helpful in evaluating poll results with respect to Christianity.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for tonight’s Good Friday service, and that the gospel be proclaimed to all who need it. Please come if you don’t have a church to visit tonight or on Resurrection Sunday. See you all there!

Soli Deo Gloria

“The difference between the true God and the gods of the nations is that the true God carries and the other gods must be carried. God serves; they must be served. God glorifies his might by showing mercy. They glorify theirs by gathering slaves. So the vision of God as one whose passion for his glory moves him to mercy impels missions because he is utterly unique among all the gods.” (John Piper, Let the Nations Be Glad!: The Supremacy of God in Missions)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! March is over, and April is right around the corner. I hope this week’s links will give you much to think about into next month. Here we go!

• Have you ever wondered if there is any presence of Reformed theology in China? Well, you can wonder no more as the TGC blog highlights the awakening of Reformational Christianity there.
• The Center for Medical Progress, who have become known as the organization exposing Planned Parenthood for illegally profiting from the selling of fetal parts, have uploaded a new video featuring a former Planned Parenthood implying she would engage in infanticide. The Equal Rights Institute gives some great analysis of this video. Unfortunately, David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt, the ones behind CMP’s videos, have been charged with 15 felonies based on recording alleged ‘confidential communications’ between complete strangers and at public conferences and restaurants. David French points out the blatant hypocrisy in this charge made in CA.
• With the new release of her new book This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years, Jacquelle Crowe writes of the important relationship that must exist between the church and teens. To that, I give a hearty ‘Amen!’
• Kevin DeYoung continues his theological primer series by writing on God’s infinity. Well worth your time (which won’t take much of it)!
• Pastor Jon MacDonald gives a biblical corrective to the ungodly (and overused) phrase, ‘Happy wife, happy life!’
• How should Christians respond when confronted with the claim that faith in God is irrational or that scientists shouldn’t believe in the supernatural? Scientist and Christian apologist Neil Shenvi gives a great answer!
• What would you say qualifies one to be a biblical counselor? Pastor Armand Tiffe gives a sound résumé.
• Over at The Cripplegate, Wyatt Graham writes a response to Rod Dreher’s book The Benedict Option with the gospel option. Luma Simms writes of her own story of adopting the Benedict option before it was dubbed as such, and the consequences of its application.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for the church, as they all meet in their various flocks. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“For whenever we make the warrant to believe in Christ to any degree dependent upon our subjective condition, we distort it. Repentance, turning from sin, and degrees of conviction of sin do not constitute the grounds on which Christ is offered to us. They may constitute ways in which the Spirit works as the gospel makes its impact on us. But they never form the warrant for repentance and faith.” (Sinclair Ferguson, The Whole Christ: Legalism, Antinomianism, and Gospel Assurance–Why the Marrow Controversy Still Matters)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! The week has finally come to an end, so why not spend some time focused on Christ? Hopefully, these links will accomplish this end!

• What is the best way to understand the Bible! Professor Leland Ryken believes it to be by becoming familiar with the literary forms of each book, and provides a summary list of each form for every book of the Bible. Take a look!
• Ever wonder in what ways the new covenant is better than the old? Pastor Jesse Johnson gives a solid list of nine ways. Take heart, believer!
• How can Intelligent Design help us understand physiology? South African anesthesiologist Philip Anderson gives some helpful examples. Read on!
• Christian philosopher J.P. Moreland answers a very common objection to Christianity with wit and wisdom: “What caused God?”
• Biblical counselor Ed Welch talks with Nancy Guthrie about how to teach those who struggle with shame, addiction or anxiety by introducing them to a Person.
• Biblical counselor Ron Allchin provides a biblical answer to the question, “Marriage: good idea or God’s idea?”
• How can we grow to bear much spiritual fruit? What does that even mean? Pastor Ed Fedor gives some much-needed counsel.
• Professor David Murray gives four pieces of advice for those who are anxious, stressed or burned out. Make sure to read his previous posts from this week located at the end of the post.
• Pastor Aaron Menikoff writes a great post on the comfort that the Father gives in adopting His children by way of Christ, through the power of the Spirit. Always a tremendous truth worth pondering and praising God for!
• Learn from Pastor Paul Tautges on how to make best use of your time. I think this qualifies as the post of the week.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Salt and Light, as they will be at their retreat this weekend, as well as the youth, who are meeting at church tonight. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Every true man is resentful of slanders against a human friend. Should we not be grieved ten times more by slanders against our God? How can we possibly listen with polite complacency, then, when men break down the distinction between God and man, and drag God down to man’s level? How can we possibly say, as in one way or another is so often said, that orthodoxy makes little difference. We should never talk in any such way about a human friend. We should never say with regard to a human friend that it makes no difference whether our view of him is right or wrong. How, then, can we say that absurd thing with regard to God?” (J. Gresham Machen, The Person of Jesus: Radio Addresses on the Deity of the Savior)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! I hope this week has been full of opportunities of glorifying our God and loving one another! I also hope these links will continue to further those goals for you all! So here we go!

• Pastor Dan Phillips (of PyroManiacs fame) has been writing on the PJ Media platform as of late, and has written a stellar article on how Christians try to be nice to the point of wanting the world to like them. He thoroughly exposes the foolishness of such an idea. I’d say this was the article of the week.
• Well, today is St. Patrick’s Day, and you may have never looked into the life of Patrick. Stephen Nichols will be a source of help in that, while church historian Michael Haykin writes of 10 things you should know about this man of God. Seems like someone who practiced the MVP.
• Colin Marshall and Tony Payne, co-authors of The Trellis and the Vine, have a follow-up book called The Vine Project: Shaping Your Ministry Culture around Disciple-Making. Justin Taylor posted their summary answers to the five convictions they maintain and expand upon in the book. This is a great picture of faithful ministry that every Christian should get behind!
• The Jenkins Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam, a center of study in Southern Seminary, recently sponsored a mission trip to Dearborn, Michigan, home of the largest concentration of Arab-Americans in the US. They report on the efforts of students from both the seminary and Boyce College to go and get the gospel to Muslims. May this news give you more boldness to share Christ with those around you.
• Dan DeWitt sought to answer the question, ‘Can Christian students thrive at Harvard, Yale and Oxford?‘ by inviting Christian professors who have studied at those universities at a recent conference to give their experiences and insights to have flourishing faith in those secular settings.
• What would be some strategies for building a case for inerrancy? Steve Hays gives some pointers.
• Ligonier Ministries recently had their National Conference entitled, ‘The Next 500 Years,’ in light of the upcoming celebration of the Protestant Reformation. All the sessions have been posted online, so take advantage of what’s available there!
• CBMW just posted their new issue of the Journal of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, which looks to be a great resource of articles and book reviews. Happy reading!
• Rod Dreher’s new book, The Benedict Option, has become a very popular topic amongst conservatives, yet some may not know what the hubbub is about. One post I found helpful is from Wyatt Graham’s brief explanation of Dreher’s thesis. This looks to be part one of two, so be on the lookout for his next post regarding the success of this book.
• CCEF’s On the Go podcast this week focuses on an interview with CCEF faculty Julie Lowe on attachment theory. This will always be a great resource to get a biblical perspective on psychological concepts, so don’t miss out on this one!

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for the youth and collegians, who will be meeting tonight at church. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“God chooses to glorify himself in and through human beings, first and foremost through his own Son become man, but also through his chosen people called to share his glory in union with Christ.” [(David VanDrunen, God’s Glory Alone—The Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life: What the Reformers Taught…and Why It Still Matters (The Five Solas Series)]

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! All thanks be to God for sustaining us this week to worship Him in spirit and in truth. I found some great links for you, so make sure you grab a seat and enjoy what’s coming your way!

• You may wonder sometimes how to approach those who don’t believe in God in conversation. Sometimes, telling the gospel immediately will help. Other times, telling your testimony is the way to get to the gospel with someone. And other times than the first two requires giving some reasons/arguments for faith. Eric Chabot provides a chart of different approaches of talking about God to those who don’t know Him. This is definitely a link to bookmark for future reference.
• For many parents, The Jesus Storybook Bible has been a godsend for their children. In case you don’t know the backstory behind it, Sarah Zylstra provides the wonderful details/circumstances behind the creation of this book. Take a look!
• Tim Keller recently gave a talk at Google on his most recent book, Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical. He also did a talk previously on The Reason for God, which is also linked. Very interesting!
• Jay Adams writes a short but helpful reminder in what is most important when we counsel. Heed his counsel!
• Dan DeWitt puts to rest the idea that engaging in apologetics leads to rationalism. He also warns about the hidden implication behind the objection.
• Michael Kruger considers a passage from Scripture as a clue about whether the apostles expected the canon of Scripture to include new books post-Old Testament. Kruger also answers the oft-asked question, “Did Jesus claim to be God?”
• J. Warner Wallace gives a succinct summary of the three M’s that naturalism can’t provide: mind, morality, and meaning.
• On the CCEF podcast, Alasdair Groves and Mike Emlet discuss what the best aspects of psychology are, which will be a recurring series. This will be especially insightful, as you will hear from the top guys in biblical counseling discuss some of psychology’s positive contributions in the field of counseling, which isn’t usually talked about.
• On ACBC’s Truth in Love podcast, some great topics have come up: whether Christians can/should cuss, same-sex physical attraction in counseling, believers and their relationship with food, forgiveness after abortion, and how to deal with couples who disagree about sex.
• Last weekend, Norma McCorvey, the Roe in Roe v Wade, passed away. The Public Discourse gave some background behind the decision and courage of not only her, but Sandra Cano (Doe of Doe v Bolton) as well. Creation Ministries International highlights her life, while The Daily Signal gives her testimony from pro-choice to pro-life activism.
• Ligonier Ministries has been putting out content concerning the Reformation, and this week’s highlight is the Latin phrase Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory). Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of why I end every Weekly Links the way I do!

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for flocks this week, as we will be reviewing this past Sunday’s message, as well as the upcoming Care in Action event tomorrow. See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

There is no shame in being hurt and hopeless. The hopeless and needy are the ones who are welcomed into the tender, understanding arms of a God of eternal love. (Dave Harvey, Paul Gilbert, Letting Go: Rugged Love for Wayward Souls)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Another week filled with God’s sustaining grace, and lovingkindness. I hope this week’s links will be an extension of that to you, so here they are:

• Ever wondered where the Bible predicts the destruction of Jerusalem and the Jewish temple in A.D. 70? TMS professor Dr. Michael Vlach presents his list of passages that he believes does this very thing. This may be a good resource for future reference, especially when talking to others about prophecy in the Bible.
• Over at the Gospel Coalition blog, Aaron Wilson writes about the concept of embryo adoption and the importance of Christians learning and engaging in it, while Russell Moore deals with the false dilemma some Christians may have: whether to adopt or have children of their own.
• It seems some of the bloggers over at The Cripplegate are getting back into the issue of cessationism vs. continuationism. This week, Eric Davis addresses continuationist arguments made from 1 Corinthians 14. You may want to go over this a few times for that next conversation with your brother or sister with whom you disagree with.
• Jason Helopoulos spends a little bit of time on the issue of assurance in a believer’s life and when it seems to be fleeting.
• Simonetta Carr, author of Christian biographies for children, dedicates a post to a reformer that you may have never heard of: Peter Martyr Vermigli. Doesn’t ring a bell? Then you check it out!
• Is there joy in discipling others? Not surprisingly, David Mathis at Desiring God thinks so, and points out that God thinks so, too.
• Justin Taylor recently interviewed Lydia Brownback about her new book, Finding God in My Loneliness. She was the first female Christian author I read, and I absolutely loved her writing, so take it for what it’s worth, but this may be something to consider watching (and reading!).
• Mark Dever recently preached at Bethlehem College & Seminary’s PasCon 2017 (conference for pastors) on evangelism. Enough said.
• Common in culture today is the idea that abortion is an act of women’s rights. However, as Brian Fisher argues over at Public Discourse, abortion has historically (and still is) a reflection of male dominance.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for both the collegians and youth as this weekend, both groups will be at Pine Valley for their respective retreats. See you Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“A man who loves his wife will love her letters and her photographs because they speak to him of her. So if we love the Lord Jesus we shall love the Bible because it speaks to us of him. The husband is not so stupid as to prefer his wife’s letters to her voice, or her photographs to herself. He simply loves them because of her. So, too, we love the Bible because of Christ. It is his portrait. It is his love-letter.” (John Stott, Fundamentalism and Evangelism)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! Praise God for another week of blessings and opportunities of trusting in Him! I hope these links will further your love and trust in Him this weekend. Here are this week’s links:

• Jason Engwer has published a five-part series (one, two, three, four, five) on how the gospels compare to ancient biographies, and there is a lot to chew on! This will be a great apologetics conversation-starter, so read up!
• Jesse Johnson, over at The Cripplegate, addresses a common question from believers: were Old Testament believers indwelt with the Spirit?
• Is teaching creation to your kids a form of child abuse? Gary Bates, CEO of Creation Ministries International, provides a short but compelling response.
• Randy Alcorn highlights a new pro-life short film that is a powerful testimony to the reality of the life of the unborn, and is worth sharing on social media. Recently, Josh Brahm from the Equal Rights Institute spoke at the Students for Life of America East Coast Conference on their new-ish argument against abortion: the equal rights argument. If you want to view other sessions from the conference, check out the YouTube playlist.
• The True Woman blog has some great posts this week: “When am I the older woman?” and “If God loves me, why am I still single?”
• Pastor David White gave a couple lectures dealing with the canon of Scripture and the reliability of the New Testament text that will be a great resource for anyone seeking to have a deeper grasp of both topics.

That’s all for this week! Please be in prayer for Youth and College Life, as they meet tonight, and for those playing in Mission Bowl to avoid injuries and enjoy fellowship with one another! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria

“Christianity is the Story of how the world began, why the world is the way it is, what role we play in the drama, and how all the plotlines of the Story are resolved in the end.” (Greg Koukl, The Story of Reality: How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between)

by Cesar Vigil-Ruiz

Feliz Friday! A new year to point you to great content online, and to draw you closer to Christ with each new link. May the tradition continue with these week’s links!

• One of the best things to happen this week is the relaunch of the CCEF On the Go podcast, after nearly three years of their last episode! This is a great resource to gain some nuggets of biblical wisdom in counseling in byte-size, so make sure to bookmark it for future reference!
• Can it be the case that Christians are arrogant? Well, it has everything to do with your definition of humility. Michael Kruger makes a case for the rejection of modern culture’s definition of humility, and turns the tables on those who would make that kind of judgment claim. This article can come in handy for your next conversation with your non-Christian friends and family.
• Tim Challies writes a fitting end to his series on aging graciously with his last article, “Aging Brings Life-Shaping Decisions.” For us young bucks, learning from older, seasoned believers seems to be just what we need. Learn from your elders!
• Challies also answers a much-asked question: do children have a financial obligation toward their parents?
• Heath Lambert writes on the commonly proclaimed myth that addiction is simply a disease and not a moral failing.
• Bob Kellemen just gave his top 10 list of biblical counseling blogs that he frequents. There is much to choose from, so make sure you check them all!
• The Women’s March came and went last week, and gained a lot of media attention. Many decried the exclusion of female pro-life groups from their march, and have called out those who would identify as progressive Christians for not speaking out about it. Many have also predicted the amount of media coverage for today’s March for Life will be much less, even if more people are expected to be in DC today.
• TGC highlighted the pro-life group Human Coalition, which purposely seeks to reach out to those who are determined to get an abortion. This is a ministry that is worth supporting and praying for. May God use His people to end this global-wide injustice.
• Apparently, some object to the idea of using ultrasound to plainly point out the heartbeat of an unborn baby. Even when we now have evidence that an embryo knows what to do post-conception autonomously in directing its own development, even when not in their mother’s womb, there is a slight bit of irony in denying the obvious.
• Joe Carter lays to rest the claim that only three percent of Planned Parenthood’s services are abortions.

That’s all for this week! Hope you all get to spend time with one another during flocks! See you all on Sunday!

Soli Deo Gloria